Paul Eadon Butler

Born in Landstuhl, Germany on January 1, 1964, to Jackie Eadon Chalfant and the late Irvin S. Butler, Jr. He grew up in Columbia with his mother, sister Neel and his late stepfather, Michael Chalfant. A graduate of Spring Valley High School, he was a member of the Gifted & Talented program and received the Outstanding Senior award.

Paul’s blood ran garnet and black. He was a proud third-generation Gamecock, following in the footsteps of his mother and grandfather. He made college football a staple of family life, a passion that led his daughter, Tatiana, to continue the legacy at the University of South Carolina. At USC, Paul was a dedicated brother of the Sigma Chi Fraternity (Gamma Nu Chapter). His commitment to the brotherhood spanned decades. He represented the fraternity at international conferences and earned several citations from International Presidents for his service. Among his distinguished achievements was receiving the Seven Lights Award, the fraternity’s second-highest distinction. Locally, he served as a past President of the Columbia SC Sigma Chi Alumni Chapter. At the time of his passing, he was serving as President of the Gamma Nu House Corporation, where he successfully oversaw the renovations and reopening of the chapter house—leadership that earned him accolades as the top House Corporation President at the University of South Carolina.

He enlisted and served his country with pride in the Army Infantry, where he trained as a Forward Observer, and also served in the South Carolina Army National Guard.

Professionally, Paul was an accomplished Computer Engineer, a seasoned IT professional, and a business owner whose career spanned roles from major consulting firms to innovative startups. An entrepreneur at heart, he owned and operated "After Hours Upgrades" for nearly three decades, providing managed IT services to local small and medium businesses. While he was an expert in his field, his true passion was helping people. He was a natural teacher who taught his daughter and his nephew Jay how to problem-solve anything. Paul didn't just employ people; he built careers. He guided many professionals through certifications and career choices, creating a vast network of IT professionals who owe their start to his mentorship.

On September 8, 2000, Paul married the love of his life, Elena V. Butler, at Rutledge Chapel. In that union, he didn't just gain a wife, but also a daughter in Tatiana, whom he raised and loved as his own. They built a life filled with travel and a generosity to all around them that would be hard to describe in a single paragraph. Paul’s generosity extended to his four-legged family members as well. He and Elena had a deep love for dogs, often adopting older or handicapped pets and outfitting the house with lifts and special equipment to ensure they lived their lives in comfort. He is now reunited with his beloved late dogs, Tally, Fiona, and Gypsy. His love language with humans was teasing. He was a man of cherished traditions, from cooking Christmas morning breakfast for the family every single year to ensuring he always got a plate of his mother’s fried chicken, his favorite meal in the world. Together, Paul and Elena realized a lifelong dream by restoring his grandfather’s lake house. This labor of love created a sanctuary for the family, where Paul loved to host summer parties for the Fourth of July and Labor Day, "tailgates" for away games, and grandkids' birthday celebrations. Their hearts were always most at home at the lake house.

With the birth of his grandson in 2022, Paul proudly took on the title of "Pappy"—a nickname suggested by his favorite sister, Neel, in honor of their own grandfather. He embraced the role with mischievous joy, known for sneaking candy to the kids and buying the loudest toys imaginable, including a legendary "Baby Shark" submarine bike. An avid hobbyist, Paul spent years painting military models with precise detail. He had quite a collection and attended many model conventions with his wife. It was a passion he began imparting to his three-year-old grandson, Charlie, who shared his fascination with seaplanes. His grandkids were an unstoppable joy in his life. Even when his health declined, Paul found happiness in playing peekaboo with his one-year-old granddaughter, Iris, who never failed to make him laugh.

Paul loved his family most of all and made sure they lacked nothing. He enjoyed celebrating their successes and would do anything to help. Paul will forever be remembered for his quick wit, his special flavor of sarcasm, and his endless generosity.

He is survived by his wife, Elena of Columbia; his mother, Jackie Chalfant of Columbia; his daughter, Tatiana Green and son-in-law Kenny of Blythewood; his grandchildren, Charlie and Iris; his sister, Neel Butler Lesesne, brother-in-law George, and nephew Jay Lesesne; and his beloved dogs, Bebe and Duke.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, December 21, 2025 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.